GRFU Development League Shield Final

Cirencester Colts 38 North Bristol Colts 19

CIRENCESTER Colts beat North Bristol in a cup match for the second time in less than a week, outscoring their rivals in a hugely entertaining game by six tries to three.

Cirencester made their usual bright start and Matt Niblett, in acres of space, darted over for an opening converted try.

Ciren were immediately on the attack again and the impressive Seb Ellis rode a number of tackles for a second converted try.

With hardly time to draw breath, a third try came via Will Milnthorpe after another fluent passing move to complete a 19-0 lead.

Cirencester were then caught napping as, after a number of quick rucks, Bristol scored an unconverted try out wide.

Cirencester increased their lead to 26-5 at the interval when Jamie Watts scored a converted try after a number of pick-and-drives.

Both sides made numerous changes as the bone-hard pitch and the sheer effort expended took its toll.

Cirencester maintained their free-flowing, ball-in-hand game, often spurning the easier kicked clearance.

This high-risk approach helped Bristol get back in the game with two converted tries, firstly after an excellent chip forward and secondly following a cheap penalty.

At 26-19 it was now anyone's game but Cirencester always looked to offer the greater threat.

Following a turnover at a ruck, Olly Armitage sped through to score out wide and with time nearly up the most deft of passes sent Tom Elsey clear to score between the posts.

Jack Lister struck his fourth successful conversion for Cirencester to run out 38-19 winners.